'Honored and humbled': Todd Blanche reacts after Trump taps him for attorney general

WASHINGTON, DC: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said he was “honored and humbled” after President Donald Trump signaled that he wanted him to permanently lead the Department of Justice.

Blanche made the comments while speaking to Fox News on Saturday, June 6.

Earlier this week, federal authorities announced several high-profile enforcement actions. The nomination now puts Blanche at the center of one of the administration's most closely watched Cabinet decisions.

Todd Blanche links DOJ efforts to Trump agenda

Speaking during the interview, Blanche said the Justice Department was focused on carrying out priorities Trump emphasized throughout his presidential campaign, particularly public safety and law enforcement.

“I'm honored and humbled that President Trump has asked me to become the permanent attorney general,” Blanche said while discussing ongoing DOJ initiatives.

He argued that recent enforcement actions demonstrated the department's effort to address threats of all kinds. Blanche also portrayed the DOJ's work as part of an effort to strengthen security across the country.

Among the cases highlighted by Blanche was the discovery of an underground tunnel connecting Mexico and California.

According to federal officials, the passageway contained infrastructure typically associated with illegal operations, including electricity and a rail system.

Blanche suggested that the tunnel reflected changing tactics by criminal organizations attempting to move illegal substances into the United States.

He also pointed to charges filed against three individuals accused of supporting violent groups. Blanche described the allegations as a reminder that security threats remained active despite ongoing efforts.

The acting attorney general said that the cases demonstrated why federal agencies continued to devote significant resources to monitoring extremist networks and transnational criminal organizations.

Trump moves toward making Todd Blanche permanent

The comments came days after Trump publicly indicated he intended to nominate Blanche as attorney general on a permanent basis.

The move would formalize Blanche's leadership of the department following the departure of former Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier this year.

Trump also praised Blanche's performance in the role, while White House officials publicly welcomed the potential nomination.

If formally nominated, Blanche would face Senate confirmation before assuming the position permanently.

Before entering government, Blanche served as one of Trump's lead defense attorneys during several high-profile legal battles, including the New York hush-money case and federal prosecutions brought by former Special Counsel Jack Smith.